By signing this form and/or participating in this event, I, on behalf of myself and any minor children for whom I am responsible, agree to release Shenango River Watchers, Inc. its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and any landowner along the river course, including the Army Corps of Engineers, we travel, from any liability, for any neglegent, reckless, or intentional conduct resulting in injury, dismemberments, death or property damage during this activity, including but not limited to, any liability related in any way to any equipment or transportation provided to you by Shenanog River Watchers, Inc. Furthermore, I understand and agree that participating in activities in, on or around rivers and other waterways has inherent risks, including but not limited to injury and drowning. Despite have knowledge of these risks, I voluntarily choose to participate in this activity. I authorize Shenango River Watchers to photograph me and any minor children for whom I am responsible during this activity and to utilize my and their likeness in its print or digital publications. 

By signing this form, you agree to have read, understand, and will abide by the PaddleFest Safety Plan included here.

PADDLER SAFETY  --  SHENANGO RIVER WATCHERS

Thank you for supporting Shenango River Watchers by joining us for our Paddle Fest.  Before you get on the water, we need you to know about precautions that need to be taken to ensure your safety while kayaking today. 

This is a wild, natural river. We do our best to ensure that there is a clear path cut through downed trees, but there will be fallen trees and other obstructions in the River. Keep alert and be ready to change direction and speed quickly and as needed.

Safety is important on any body of water, and rivers offer different and more unpredictable dangers than lakes. River kayaking is not for first time paddlers. We hope that everyone kayaking with us has had prior kayaking experience on moving water.  If you have never kayaked a river before, we recommend you paddle with experienced friends who can assist you. 

Equipment to Bring

Each kayaker should bring:

Kayak or canoe                         Drinking water

Paddle                                    Hat

Life vest (PFD)                       Closed-toe water shoes

A pea-less whistle that works when wet, ideally tied to your PFD

Appropriate river clothing and footwear for the weather

Optional, strongly recommended

Waterproof bag or case (for phone and car keys, extra warm clothes, or food)

Extra clothing/shoes left in your vehicle for after the float

Cell Phone                                  

On the River

Dress appropriately – Check the weather forecast before going out on the water and dress accordingly.  Protect yourself from the UV rays of the sun and wear a hat. Synthetic fibers that dry quickly are recommended, rather than natural fibers that can hold water and cause you to lose body heat quickly. 

Be alert and prepared - There are a few rules that are common sense when kayaking and help keep you safe and having fun!  First, wear your life jacket.  Second, be aware of your surroundings. Third, always paddle with a buddy - never alone on moving water!

Rivers have a current, and you must be able to paddle through turns and around obstacles.  As you paddle, pay attention to the river in front of you to avoid downed trees or submerged rocks.  There are mile markers on the river every half mile to help you know where you are on the river. Use your whistle to alert others if you get into trouble.  In case of emergency, call 911 and give them your mile marker info if possible.  For Paddle Fest, we start at mile zero and end at mile 9 at Riverside Park in Greenville.

Life vest (PFD) – Most kayak deaths happened because someone was not wearing their life vest.  For your safety, we ask that all paddlers (and pets) wear a life vest while on the river. A PFD stowed on your kayak will NOT help you if you capsize suddenly. Wear it, and wear it properly! We will have safety educators at the launch to help you ensure your PFD is being worn properly.

If you capsize.  The Shenango River is shallow in many places and if you capsize, try to keep hold of your kayak and paddle and try to get to a shallow spot or shore.  Your buddy should be close enough to help you. Do not to stand up until you are in a safe area to stand (An area where the water is less than knee high).

DON’T DRINK AND KAYAK - Drinking and kayaking is a dangerous combination, and it is illegal in Pennsylvania. Alcohol slows your reaction time, inhibits your motor skills, and decreases your depth perception, and increases dehydration - all necessary skills for safe kayaking. It may seem like a fun, harmless idea, but it is extremely reckless. Please don’t do it! 

During a Paddle Fest event, there will be experienced kayakers that will be first in the water to check the river for any new obstacles.   There will also be experienced kayakers that will be last in the water to “sweep” the river and make sure everyone has safely paddled the nine miles from Jamestown to Greenville.  In case of emergency, call 911. Our team also has contacts for first responders in case of an emergency.

Have fun today and thank you for supporting Shenango River Watchers!!

Shenango River Watchers 04/2025